Online Library of Selected Images:
-- SHIPS of the GERMAN NAVY --

SMS Adler (Gunboat, 1885-1889)

Adler, a 1040-ton gunboat with a composite iron and
wooden hull, was built at Kiel, Germany. She was commissioned
in May 1885 and served overseas for her entire career. In 1888-89,
Adler was active in Samoa in support of German efforts
to impose a government of their choice. She was anchored in Apia
Harbor, Samoa, during the hurricane
of 15-16 March 1889 and was unable to resist the violence
of the storm. In a feat of remarkable seamanship, her Commanding
Officer used the force of wind and waves to lift her over the
lip of the dangerous reef into shallow water, where she came to
rest on her port side. Though the ship was lost, most of her crew
survived. Adler's wreck remained on the reef far into the
Twentieth Century, a visible relic of nature's power.

This page features and provides links to the only views
we have related to the German gunboat Adler.

Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.

Photo #: NH 42118

Hurricane at Apia, Samoa, 15-16 March 1889

"The Adler before the Hurricane"
Artwork by Rear Admiral Lewis A. Kimberly, contained in his personal
journal of the Apia Hurricane. It shows the German gunboat Adler
at anchor in Apia Harbor prior to the storm, and before she had
made heavy weather preparations.

Overturned on the reef, on the western side of Apia Harbor, Upolu,
Samoa, soon after the storm.
Note her battered hull, well for hoisting propeller, rescue bouy
mounted on her stern, and decorative windows painted on her quarters.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 104KB; 740 x 590 pixels

Photo #: NH 42287

German Gunboat Adler

Overturned on the reef, on the western side of Apia Harbor, Upolu,
Samoa, as crewmen began salvage work soon after the storm.
Note men on her hull and upperworks, and canvas covered gun on
her poop deck.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 109KB; 740 x 535 pixels

Photo #: NH 42288

German Gunboat Adler

Overturned on the reef, on the western side of Apia Harbor, Upolu,
Samoa, during salvage work after the storm.
Note the gun mounted on her poop deck, and bent propeller shaft
visible at her stern.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 144KB; 740 x 585 pixels

Photo #: NH 42132

Hurricane at Apia, Samoa, 15-16 March 1889

"India Ink copy of Photograph of H.I.M. Adler, bow view
on reef. Bridge over River Mulvai"
Artwork by Rear Admiral Lewis A. Kimberly, contained in his personal
journal of the Apia Hurricane. It shows German gunboat Adler
as she lay on the western side of Apia Harbor after the storm,
with the Mulivai River bridge in the left background.

"Pencil sketch from Photograph of The wreck of the German,
'Adler', thrown on the reef on her beam ends"
Artwork by Rear Admiral Lewis A. Kimberly, contained in his personal
journal of the Apia Hurricane. It shows German gunboat Adler
as she lay on the western side of Apia Harbor, following the
storm.

"The Adler thrown on her beam ends on the reefs."
Artwork by Rear Admiral Lewis A. Kimberly, contained in his personal
journal of the Apia Hurricane. It shows the German gunboat Adler
as she was after the storm.